Need help replacing deck hardware on a Catalina 30

[Hunter07]

I have a 87 Catalina 30 tall rig and the rope clutch for the main halyard is shot. I also want to add a clutch for the jib halyard on the port side. The current clutch is not thru bolted but the rigger that worked on my boat said that Catalina had embedded aluminum blocks or plates in the deck for mounting this hardware. Does anyone know how to bolt new hardware on? Do I need to drill holes and tap threads?

[rperret]

try garhauer - they are the oem supplier to Catalina. they are known for good to very good quality components at price points below harken, schaeffer, et al.

[zz4gta]

+1 for Garhauer, give em a call they treat you like family.

[sailingdog]

Actually, for rope clutches, I'd recommend LEWMAR, not Garhauer. They're less expensive and have consistently rated higher in performance and lower in line abrasion in tests. Unlike some of the other brands of line clutches, the Lewmars can always be eased under load. The Spinlocks and some of the others have to have the load eased on the line before they will release. It would be worthwhile to check out the last line clutch review done by PS Magazine. You can read it here.

[knothead]

Originally Posted by Hunter07

I have a 87 Catalina 30 tall rig and the rope clutch for the main halyard is shot. I also want to add a clutch for the jib halyard on the port side. The current clutch is not thru bolted but the rigger that worked on my boat said that Catalina had embedded aluminum blocks or plates in the deck for mounting this hardware. Does anyone know how to bolt new hardware on? Do I need to drill holes and tap threads?

If there is an embedded aluminum plate, then yes, drill and tap. It's a really clean and easy way to attach deck hardware.
Be sure to apply a locking compound such as lok-tite or tuff-gel to the threads of the bolt and use a little bedding around the hole as well.
You don't want water getting in.

[KindOfBlue]

In addition to all the advise here, you can also post to the Yahoo Catalina 30 group available at Catalina30 : Catalina 30 Owners Online List

You will find out for sure if there is an aluminum plate over on the yahoo group.